(TheDailyHorn.com) – When individuals first join the US military, they are required to get numerous vaccinations. Vaccinations are also mandated for military members headed to areas where certain illnesses are prevalent.
When it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations, however, some in the military are hesitant to get the jab. This is because all COVID-19 vaccinations are still under Emergency Use Authorization status, per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, the military currently says COVID-19 vaccinations are optional.
I’ve been contacted by members of our voluntary military who say they will quit if the COVID vaccine is mandated.
I introduced HR 3860 to prohibit any mandatory requirement that a member of the Armed Forces receive a vaccination against COVID-19.
It now has 24 sponsors. https://t.co/lbqYESmBYy
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 3, 2021
A new report from the Army Times suggests this could soon change. If the FDA gives full approval to the vaccinations, the Army is reportedly directing its leaders to prepare for mandatory vaccinations.
However, not everyone in Congress is happy. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) tweeted that some may leave the service if they’re required to get a vaccination. So he introduced legislation that would prohibit the military from mandating shots. The bill received 23 cosponsors.
This is far from a settled issue in Congress as lawmakers remain split over the measure. Some veteran members of Congress suggest that because vaccinations are part of military life, this one is no different if the FDA approves it.
The Department of Defense and the Army deny there are any plans to introduce mandatory vaccination. However, Maj. Jackie Wren noted that if the DOD changes its directive, the Army is prepared to follow orders.
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